By Mark Haynes | OBSERVER Correspondent
On Wednesday, December 18th, the Sacramento Kings partnered with Raley’s to provide some lucky shoppers with some holiday financial assistance.
If you entered the West Sacramento location at 4 p.m., you were greeted by the Kings dance team and the mascot, Slamson. Shoppers received gift cards to use and had the opportunity to take pictures with DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter, and Orlando Robinson.
The team’s unexpected appearance turned a routine store trip into a dream come true for Amia Craver and others.
“I just came to grab some cookies really quick before school,” Craver told The OBSERVER. “I didn’t know I would get a gift card and meet DeMar DeRozan. This made my whole year.”
While DeRozan and Huerter took pictures with fans in the store, Robinson took a more hands-on approach by working the cash register.
“It was funny because some people didn’t really know it was me,” Robinson said. “A few people thought I really worked here.”
Every person who visited Robinson’s aisle had a gift card, and the 7-footer was moved to see how many people were receiving help during this time of year.
“It’s nice to see people come together and get with their families,” Robinson shared. “It’s great seeing everybody spending time with people they love, and that’s what I’m about to do. My mom told me to get groceries while I’m here, so that’s next for me.”
The surprise event was part of the 23rd Annual Season of Doing Good, presented by Raley’s. Robinson eagerly agreed to participate and illustrated why it was a no-brainer when asked if he was interested.
“Community is everything to me,” he explained. “I love being a part of my community wherever I am.”